Jackson is 1 !!

I can't believe it. My baby is 1-year-old today! It's hard to look at the picture collage above and not get teary-eyed. This year has flown by, and to think, I have been here for EVERY moment of it. What a blessing it has been to have had this time at home with Jackson (and his big sis, Lily) during his first year of life. God is SO good!

Well, what else can I say about this little boy that I haven't already? Jackson has become quite the snuggler recently. His new thing is to come up and immediately put his head down on your lap or shoulder (if you are holding him) as if to give you a hug. I am loving this! Up to this point, he has not been my affectionate child so this is a welcome change!

I thought I would start putting together an annual birthday "year in review" survey to remember some of the year's highlights for the kids. Enjoy!

NAME: Jackson Lee Bolinger

HEIGHT: 29"

WEIGHT: 21 lbs.

TEETH: 2 1/2 :-)...one of his front teeth just poked through

NICK NAME(S): Jack, Jackie, Jackie Chan (Daddy's fav.)

BEST FRIENDS: Big sister, Lily

AGE: 1 year

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO: Walk, bath time, get into the Tupperware cabinet- specifically my "chip-clip" caddy and his sippy cups, unroll and eat toilet paper in bathroom, help unload the dishwasher, play with big sister Lily- specifically "tag", wrestle with Daddy or spend time with him outside

SPECIAL SKILLS: Walking, waving with one hand up, attempt to climb and run, give an ornery smile at Mommy & Daddy when he is getting in trouble, have full conversations with different versions of the word "dada"- complete with hand gestures and varied facial expressions (this was his sister too..so we may have another "talker" on our hands!)

FAVORITE SONG: Patty-cake- he loves the clapping

FAVORITE FOOD: Hard to tell exactly because...Jackson LOVES to eat! He seems to like meat (chicken, ground beef, ribs!) and fruit (bananas, nectarines, plums) the best. Oh, and thanks to his Daddy...ice cream :-)

FAVORITE DRINK: Milk

FAVORITE TOY: Ball- big ones, small ones...he loves them all! He especially likes to carry them around while walking. He also is enjoying Lily's Zhu-Zhu pets, too.

FAVORITE BOOK: "Play with me"- flap book and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?" He enjoys flipping the pages and loves any book with flaps and sounds.

FAVORITE ANIMAL: His sea horse that glows and plays music (thank you, Julia!)

FAVORITE PHRASE: "Dada". Although he is starting to say "Mama", almost any other object or request comes out as "dada".

SEVEN WORDS TO DESCRIBE JACKSON: Firecracker, Sweetheart, Adventurous, Determined, Mischievous, Comical, and most of all, extremely Lovable

His Daddy and I are already seeing glimpses of the future with Jackson as his personality develops. We are excited for what the future holds for you, son. Your Daddy and I love you SO MUCH! Happy Birthday to our big boy!

Jackson- 11 month update

It's hard to believe that almost a year has past and I am planning Jackson's first birthday! This past month I have to admit, I slacked a little in taking pictures of my baby. I am blaming it on the fact that I have spent more time chasing him than grabbing the camera :-)
Jackson is really enjoying being up and mobile. He is improving daily with his balance and we have even caught him trying to run! (Help me, now!) And, he does it all with a grin on his face that makes you giggle and your heart melt all at the same time. (seen in pic below) Now, HOW can you get mad at a face like that?!

This is his new expression. We are all loving it.

One of the few shots I have been able to catch of him in action.

Daddy and his mini-me

Spending some time in the backyard. He had a bit of difficulty getting used to walking in the tennis shoes and grass.

"running" with Daddy

Lily's first day of Pre-K!!

Today Lily started another year of Preschool at Sycamore Hills Baptist! She was very excited to officially be in the "Pre-K" program this year and was more than ready to head to school this morning. In fact, she didn't understand why we couldn't leave an hour early because she sure was ready to go! We spent the afternoon yesterday picking out her outfit and getting her backpack ready. I don't know if she or I had more fun doing it! I remember those "back to school" days and all of the excitement of the first day.

We had a back to school night last week where she met her new teacher, so she marched right into Mrs. Kellee's class this morning as if she had been doing it all summer.

Justin and I are so proud of her confidence and willingness to jump right in and meet new friends. We receive many comments from people who are surprised at how outgoing she is for her age. We hope she never loses that confidence and continues to meet new friends and thrive in school!
Go Lily! We love you!

back to school night with a little gift from her teacher, Mrs. Kellee

here I come, Pre-K!

waiting for the doors to open

hanging up her backpack

putting her name on the tree

with her teacher, Mrs. Kellee

Labor Day weekend

We spent another Labor Day holiday weekend at the lake with Grandma & Grandpa, and Sarah & Ashley. To make this one extra special we spent some time on the boat! It was Lily's first time tubing and Jackson's first time in the boat. We had a blast watching both kiddos enjoy the wind in their face!

Enjoy some pictures of our fun weekend!

can you see the smile through the paci? :-)
getting ready to go!

having a blast with Daddy- complete with "peace" signs :-)

driving the boat with Daddy
boating beauty

what's dinner at the lake without ribs?! he LOVED them! just like his sister!

Jackson out for a stroll with Grandma

Lily helping Daddy in the fields get ready for hunting season